Squads named for first Pro Series Match

The 2013 LiveSport.co.uk Pro Series will kick off tomorrow at Titwood in Glasgow with the inaugural 50 over match between the Reivers and the Highlanders.

It will be an opportunity for those looking to break into the senior representative squads to push their names into the minds of the national selection panel.

The two new Pro Series will build on the success of the old Regional series, and is designed to build a stronger competition for those players aspiring towards international recognition.

The series will also provide the platform for the introduction of professional cricket at domestic level in Scotland and the establishment of a first class structure in future years.

Both the Highlanders and Reivers have named strong line ups for Wednesday’s first LiveSport.co.uk Pro 50 Series match at Titwood Cricket Ground in Glasgow. The coaches provide international experience with Steve Knox being named as the coach of the Reivers , while the Highlanders will be under the watchful eye of Neil MacRae.

The Reivers squad will comprise of four current Scotland players, Richie Berrington (Captain), Moneeb Iqbal, Calum MacLeod and Majid Haq, while Stuart Chalmers and Qasim Sheikh feature and have also earned Scotland caps in the past.

The Highlanders will have current interim Scottish Saltires captain, Preston Mommsen leading the side while Hamish Gardiner, Chayank Gossain, Michael Leask and Aman Bailwal all earn a spot after some impressive performances for the A team so far this season.

“It’s going to be a fantastic occasion” said Kenny Crichton from LiveSport.co.uk “It’s a real opportunity for these players to make a name for themselves and we are really delighted to be sponsoring the flagship series.”

He added, “We can expect big things for the competition and it’s a great prospect to have the best players in the country involved.”

Several players are unavailable due to injury and exams but are expected to increase competition for places for the second game at Ayr in a fortnight’s time.

Andy Tennant, Director of Cricket at Cricket Scotland, said, “The new Pro Series provides the perfect opportunity for the best Scottish based players to compete for places in the national team. While the addition of several English based players to the Scotland squad in recent times has increased competition for places recent selections have shown that there are always opportunities for those who show promise through strong performances and a willingness to work hard and learn.

There is no better place than the highest ever standard of domestic competition for players to put down a marker. As a result, I am looking forward to some fierce competition and strong rivalries developing over the five match Pro 50 series.”

Before the first match both captain’s will be presented with their kit by new shirt sponsor OnlineWillsUK.com.

The LiveSport.co.uk Pro 50 Series will be contested under standard One Day International playing conditions with an 11am start time.

There will be live scoring available throughout these matches in partnership with CricHQ, available from the Cricket Scotland website.